HND Creative Media : Games Development

If you have completed the HNC course and wish to develop your skills, knowledge, and behaviours further, this is the best course for you. Along with developing your skills, this course will enhance your employability and prepare you for a successful career within the field of games development. Industry standard software and disciplines are the main drive of this course.

The programme can be studied full time over one year (attending college two days per week) or part time over two years (attending college one day per week).

The course content enables you to develop strong industry relevant skills used by industry professionals in the computer game sector. Prior to beginning this course, you should already have a solid understanding of the development and production of game development. This HND course, which focuses on key elements such as level design, advanced 3D modelling, and video game narrative, will push you further and help you reach your full potential.

The HND will consist of the following units:

• Unit 36: Collaborative project (Pearson-set)
• Unit 37: Personal professional development
• Unit 44: Advanced game development studies
• Unit 46: Advanced rendering and visualisation
• Unit 61: Advanced 3D modelling
• Unit 68: Narrative
• Unit 75: Environment and level design.

Please note that modules listed are indicative and may be subject to change. We do not guarantee that a non-mandatory unit will always run in any given academic year as options may be dependent on student numbers, sector requirement, and staff expertise.

Following completion of the HND you could progress on to university to complete a top up course and achieve a BA honours degree, or you may wish to enter employment within the games industry.

Throughout the course, professional game designers, developers, and testers may visit the college to deliver talks and guest workshops. Working practices and production methods are delivered in line with industry and this will be articulated throughout the programme.

You will be encouraged to establish your own links within the games industry and attend regular conventions, screenings, or exhibitions in order to broaden your understanding of game and animation conventions and professional practice. You will have the opportunity to develop and exhibit your work via a digital portfolio, ready for the next step in your creative journey.

The college offers a very high-quality education for HE students. HE student feedback is strong, and students are highly complimentary of their learning experience. HE students have access to specialist facilities and resources to support their programme of study as well as designated HE learning spaces to support independent study.

Here at Warrington & Vale Royal College we have a team of dedicated, experienced staff who can share their extensive knowledge and skills with you. Learning in a friendly and inclusive environment, you will be fully supported to achieve your goals.

Throughout the course you will take part in live project briefs in conjunction with local clients, in order to boost your employability and develop the skills required for employment in this exciting sector.

You must have the following:

• A HNC in Creative Media (Games Development), as the HND one year programme is a direct follow on from the HNC.

AND

• A* to C grade and/or 9 to 4 in GCSE English (language or literature)
• A* to C grade and/or 9 to 4 in GCSE maths is also recommended.

Non-native English speakers who have not undertaken their final two years of schooling in English need to demonstrate capability in English at a standard equivalent to the levels identified below. This is necessary before being recruited to the programme, as the programme is both taught and assessed in English:

• Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) level B2
• IELTS 5.5; reading and writing must be 5.5.

All HNC/HND programmes require the completion of a personal statement and curriculum-set task prior to an admissions interview being offered. Further information on this will be provided to you upon receipt of your application. You will also be required to provide a reference from one of the following options:

• A previous course leader/teacher (if progressing from a recently attended further or higher education course)
• A recent or current employer
• An appropriate professional who can provide a character reference (if you have not been in recent education or employment).

Students applying to study on a Higher Education course can apply for a HE student loan at www.gov.uk/student-finance

For further Finance support and enquiries please visit https://wvr.ac.uk/adults/higher-education

The programme leader will make you aware of any additional requirements during induction and at the beginning of each new project, however, please find listed below a breakdown for the approximate course costs including personal computer equipment, art equipment, and college trips/visits.

Prior to beginning the course, you will need to purchase a personal computer that can be accessed at all times. The specification must be suitable for the creative field and must be able to run the specialist software utilised on the course. This software includes Autodesk Maya, Unity, Unreal Engine and Substance Painter. All software listed are free to download as an educational license, however you will need to acquire hardware that can handle the specifications for each of these. Prices range from £800 - £1000. However, due to the ever-growing industry, it may be useful to purchase a more powerful computer to ensure its future proofing.

Trips include EGX Rezzed, Manchester ComicCon, and Bury Arcade Club. All three of these events are priced at approximately £20-25 for ticket entry, plus travel costs, which will be subject to change based on student numbers attending the event.

External hard drives must also be purchased to secure coursework, and to enable transfer of work between college and home. A 500GB hard drive can be purchased for approximately £35 and will provide sufficient data storage.

The remainder of the personal equipment expected whilst studying on the HE courses includes notebooks, sketchbooks, pens, and pencils.